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The Department of Anthropology (ANT)

The Department of Anthropology offers an undergraduate major and minor in anthropology. Anthropology includes the study of archaeology, cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, or anthropological linguistics. Students may also pursue a Southeastern archaeology track and pre-health track in either the major or the minor.

Anthropology Major (BA)

Degree requirements. Students earning the bachelor of arts (BA) degree with a major in anthropology must complete all University, college (see pp. 52-53), and departmental degree requirements. These include the general education requirements, the following major requirements, all requirements for an approved minor, and sufficient other credits to total a minimum of 120 applicable semester hours.

Admission into the major. Students are expected to declare a major formally no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). With the assistance of an advisor in the major department, students should complete the “Declaration of Major” form.

Grade point average. A 2.0 grade point average in the major is required for completion of the degree. The major GPA is calculated based on all courses applicable to the major that the student has attempted at UA.

Major courses. The major in anthropology requires the successful completion of the following 30 semester hours:

Upper-level residency. A minimum of 12 hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be earned on this campus.

Ancillary courses. The major in anthropology does not require ancillary courses. However, students considering graduate school are encouraged to study a foreign language.

Required minor. This major requires the completion of a minor.

Additional major requirements. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have met all University, college, major, and minor requirements. However, each student must meet with an advisor in the major department for academic planning and to be cleared for registration each semester. College advisors are also available for additional assistance with minor, college, and University requirements.

Special opportunities. The department sponsors a local chapter of Lambda Alpha, a national anthropology honor society. Membership requires junior standing, at least 12 hours of completed coursework in the major, and a minimum overall GPA of 2.5. The department also supports an active student-run Anthropology Club, which is involved in archaeological digs, the Moundville Native American Festival, a softball team, and many other academic and recreational activities throughout the year.

Health professions concentration. Students pursuing a major or minor in anthropology who are interested in a career in health professions such as medicine, nursing, public health, health policy, epidemiology, medical anthropology, and medical sociology can choose a sequence of courses in the health professions concentration. These students should choose the anthropology electives from the following courses: ANT 411 and 6 hours chosen from ANT 208, ANT 275, ANT 311, ANT 402, ANT 405, ANT 419, ANT 476, ANT 478, ANT 479, or any cultural or physical medical anthropology courses offered.

Southeastern archaeology concentration. Students pursuing a major or minor in anthropology who are interested in an academic career in archaeology or a career in cultural resource management with companies such as the National Park Service, the National Forest Service, Bureaus of Land Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and State Historic Preservation offices or private consulting firms should choose the anthropology electives from the following courses: ANT 269, ANT 466, and ANT 368, ANT 424, or ANT 426 for a total of 9 hours.